Pros and Cons of Painting Before Selling

Buying and selling a home is considered among the most stressful times in a person’s life. It can be difficult to decide whether to paint your house before putting it on the market. It adds to your already stressful to-do list, and it’s also an added expense. Before deciding, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of painting before selling your home.

Pros of Painting Before Selling

Appeals to Potential Buyers

First impressions matter when selling your home. Even the best staging or new appliances won’t compensate for damaged or outdated interior paint. A fresh coat of paint will look clean and inviting to potential buyers. If you have bold paint colors in your home, a coat of neutral paint color throughout will make your home more appealing. Neutral tones make it easier for buyers to picture themselves in your home and want to make it their own. 

Adds Value to Your Home

On top of adding visual appeal to your home, it will likely add value. Houses painted in specific colors made an extra $5,000 more than expected. Most buyers want move-in ready homes and are willing to pay more for homes in excellent condition. Chipped or faded paint will lower the value of your home.

Improves Your Virtual Marketing

In today’s world, home buyers begin their shopping online. One way to make your home stand out is with better real estate photos. Without an updated paint job, your home could look old or dingy in photos. Painting your walls and ceilings will make your home look cleaner and brighter online and in person.

The Right Paint Colors Sell Houses Faster

It’s essential to choose colors that appeal to the most buyers. A recent survey from Zillow found that the right paint colors can significantly increase incoming offer prices on a home. Their analysis revealed that homes with rooms painted in light shades of blue, pale blue or gray, and powder blue sold above the expected price ($5,440 on average). When in doubt, choose light neutral colors. Creamy whites, beige, and light grays can make your home look clean and more inviting. 

Cons of Painting Before Selling

Expense

Home sellers often want to avoid extra expenses, which is understandable. If most of your interior needs a new coat of paint, it can certainly be an investment you may not be willing to make. If your paint is fairly new, thorough cleaning and touching up worn areas may be all that is needed.

Time Constraints

Repainting an entire home takes a significant amount of time. Scheduling and coordinating a new paint job may not be feasible when you are busy trying to get your home on the market. 

Selecting the Wrong Colors

Without expert advice, you may choose colors that don’t appeal to buyers in your area. Speaking with an experienced real estate agent is an excellent way to get feedback before making any changes to your home.

Three Signs It’s Time to Repaint Your Interior

Still unsure if you need to paint before putting your home on the market? Several factors speed up the need to repaint interior surfaces, including the amount of usage and exposure to UV rays and cigarette smoke. Here are three signs it’s time to repaint:

1. Peeling, Bubbling, or Cracking Paint

Bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint are signs that the paint wasn’t applied correctly in the first place. It could also signify that you’ve got mold, dry rot, or other moisture-related problems. Locating and correcting any underlying issues is essential before new paint is applied.

2. Fading Paint

Darker colors fade more quickly than lighter tones and must be repainted more often. Constant exposure to UV rays can lead to premature paint fading. An easy way to check for fading is to take a picture off the wall and check the paint behind it. You’ll be able to tell at a glance how much your paint has faded.

3. Chipped, Scuffed, or Damaged Paint

Ordinary wear and tear can damage even the best paint job. Hallways, children’s bedrooms, and other high-traffic areas generally need a fresh coat of paint every two to three years. Interior paint is designed to protect your walls, doors, and trim. If your interior paint shows visible signs of wear, its ability to protect the surface underneath is compromised.

Hire a Professional Painting Company

After considering the pros and cons of painting your home before selling, you may realize a new coat of paint is necessary. It’s essential to hire a professional painting company to handle the project. Most homeowners don’t have the skills, expertise, or tools to independently complete a large painting project. Walla Painting is a locally owned business specializing in residential painting. Our fully insured, bonded, and skilled painters can handle any project. We are proud to have received Angie’s List Super Service Award 10 years in a row for our customer service and detailed workmanship.

Walla Painting serves the greater Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, McCordsville, Lawrence, Broad Ripple, and Meridian Hills. We offer residential interior and exterior painting and cabinet and trim painting. Contact us online or at (317) 620-0695 for a free estimate.